Comparison of the Diabetes Regular Care Model and the "Diabetes Share Care Disease Management" Model in Eastern Taiwan

Objective: Previously documented studies found that hospitals which practiced ”diabetes share care disease management” program (DSCDM) achieved positive results in the quality of patient care among diabetics. However, most of these studies compared patients who participated in the DSCDM vs those who were not in any diabetic care program. This study particulary focused on comparing care accountability, laboratory results, and the Taiwan SF-36 life quality scores in diabetes patients who were treated in two different models: the regular care model and the DSCDM program. Based on the findings of this study, we hope to provide clinical recommendations and upgrade the quality of diabetes care. Materials and Methods: The data from 175 regular care group subjects and 280 DSCDM group subjects were collected from February 2005 to August 2005 at a medical center in eastern Taiwan via multiple approaches, which included face-to-face interviews, questionnaires, and medical records. Analysis of the data was performed on SPSS10.0 for Windows. Results: After one year, the average rates of chronic diseaes, chronic complications, and difficulties in diabetic control were showed better in the DSCDM group than those of the regular care group. Both groups exhibited noticeable improvement in all clinical examination criteria, and the laboratory data in the DSCDM group were lower and more close to control target, while the care accountability and life quality elevels also showed batter than those of the regular care group. Conclusions: This research demonstrated that practicing DSCDM generated positive results and improved both the care and life quality of patients. Therefore, DSCDM should be promoted and practiced on a broader scale.